Tips to Help You Achieve an Equitable Division of Property in Mediation

One of the primary issues divorcing couples will need to work through during the divorce mediation process is how they will divide their marital assets in a way that is equitable.

Keep in mind that equitable does not necessarily mean equal—it simply means fair. The division of marital property may seemingly favor one spouse in certain circumstances, especially if the other spouse has significantly higher earning capacity.

Here are a few tips that can help you achieve equity in the asset division process as you work through your mediation.

• Come prepared: Your mediator and your attorney can provide you with a list of the information you need to bring to your upcoming sessions. Collect all of the necessary documents and you need in advance to expedite the process and to make it easier for you to make knowledgeable statements and arguments during your negotiations.
• Discuss outside: If you are comfortable doing so, there’s nothing stopping you from discussing some of the issues about asset division before you even hit the mediation room. This can help encourage positive, productive communication and cut down on the amount of time you spend with the mediator. It can also make compromise more likely.
• Know what you care about: If you have certain priorities with your assets and have taken the time to rank those priorities, this will help you to better visualize where you feel most comfortable making concessions and how you can determine whether the property division truly has been equitable.
• Get representation: You aren’t necessarily going to be required to have an attorney to go through divorce mediation, but it is extremely helpful to have a professional there to advocate for you and make sure you’re not agreeing to anything that compromises your rights or simply would be a bad deal.

The legal team at Solutions Divorce Mediation is here for you when you need counsel during mediation for your divorce. Contact our skilled Long Island attorneys to schedule a consultation.